Balancing Plot Necessities with Authenticity

Most movies treat mental health like a plot twist—something dramatic, visible, and easily explained. But real depression and anxiety don’t work that way, and filmmaker Olivia Nash is determined to flip the script and show a more realistic portrayal.

In this episode, host Gabe Howard sits down with the actor, writer, and director of the indie film “Hi.” to tease out what it really means to portray mental health authentically on screen. The conversation goes beyond the film itself, diving into the realities of mental health in Hollywood, how Nash fostered open conversations on set, and what it takes to center people over productivity in an industry that rarely slows down.

Why You Should Listen

• Discover how Nash’s personal experience with depression and anxiety changed her storytelling — and why that matters for audiences
• Hear how Hollywood’s most common mental health tropes can do real harm, even when intentions are good
• Understand why functioning, successful people are often the most misunderstood when it comes to mental health
• Understand why authentic representation in pop culture can be life-changing for viewers

If you’re tired of seeing mental health reduced to stereotypes, or you’ve ever been told you “can’t be depressed” because you’re functioning, this episode offers a refreshing, validating perspective you won’t want to miss.
“Mental health isn’t a plot twist—it’s just part of who people are.”
~Olivia Nash, Hollywood Actor and Director

Olivia Nash is a multifaceted creative professional with extensive experience in acting,
producing, directing, and production design. Based in Austin, TX, she has worked on a
wide array of projects across film, television, theater, commercials, music video, and
owns the film production company, Fox Adrift Productions. Her versatility and passion
for storytelling shine through her collaborations with esteemed production companies
like Taylor Butler Productions, Fox Adrift Productions, Reed Street Films, David Bittner
Productions, and Skeptical Optimist Productions.

As a Producer/Director, Olivia has helmed projects such as Toby (won for Best Female
Director at Palm Beach Shorts, Best Dramedy at Georgia Shorts Film Festival, and Best
Narrative Short Film at Austin Under The Stars), Hi., and El Delirio. Her expertise in
Production Design is evident in works like The Gold Lament, Goodwill, Constellation,
and The Last Pedal. In the commercial space, she has served as Art Director for HHS
Training Videos. She has also brought her creative vision to music videos, including
Cobblestone Streets and Unknown to You.

Olivia's acting credits span leading roles in films such as Hickory, Hi., Meteor, and FGA
as well as theater performances in productions like The Taming of the Shrew,
Cinderella, and Booby Trap where she won best supporting actress. Her training in
on-camera workshops, musical theater, and dance further complements her on-screen
and stage presence.

With a distinctive aesthetic and expertise in styles like Boho Decor, Dystopian, Cottage
Core, Bloom Core, Dark Academia, and Fantasy, Olivia is skilled at crafting immersive
and evocative worlds. Her dedication to her craft and her ability to adapt to diverse
creative challenges compliments her mission to bring to life stories that relate to the
human condition, while allowing us to escape into a world of beauty.

Our host, Gabe Howard, is an award-winning writer and speaker who lives with bipolar disorder. He is the author of the popular book, "Mental Illness is an Asshole and other Observations," available from Amazon; signed copies are also available directly from the author. Gabe is also the host of the "Inside Bipolar" podcast with Dr. Nicole Washington.

Gabe makes his home in the suburbs of Columbus, Ohio. He lives with his supportive wife, Kendall, and a Miniature Schnauzer dog that he never wanted, but now can’t imagine life without. To book Gabe for your next event or learn more about him, please visit gabehoward.com.

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